Where Will You Spend the Winter? Travel Nursing Options in California and Texas

November 4, 2013 - Are you looking to stay warm this winter or to experience the excitement of the holidays in a big city? Winter is a great time to start or continue travel nursing. In fact, some assignments are even offering bonuses for those willing to work over multiple winter holidays. Even if you want to be home for the holidays, January assignments are already becoming available.

“Travelers need to know that now is the time to look for jobs and lock down jobs for the new year. I am already filling jobs for January and they are going quickly. If you want to get top priority on shifts and request your time off, now is the time to do it,” expressed Jennifer Cosgrove, recruitment manager for American Mobile Healthcare, an AMN Healthcare company.

Nurses can find top jobs available in these great California and Texas locations, among others:

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, Calif.

With nearly 300 days of sunshine and highs in the upper 60s even in December and January, L.A. is the place to go for those wanting to skip a harsh winter. The city offers a number of world-renowned tourist destinations and access to both skiing and surfing among an exciting array of adventures.

“Travelers should be aware that we have positions in many locations that start in November, December and January,” remarked Cosgrove. “For example, right now some facilities are accepting applications for start days through January. Among the specialties in demand, there are many ICU and step down positions available.”

“Additionally, it is possible to lock down a job before you apply for a nursing license in California or other states,” she continued. “So travelers shouldn’t hesitate to pursue positions in states where they don’t yet have a license.”

Santa Clara, California

Santa Clara, Calif.

Santa Clara is a thriving college town, just 45 minutes from the beach, 40 minutes from San Francisco and a half-day’s drive from Lake Tahoe, which makes it a great choice for your winter assignment. The town does experience all four seasons, but the weather is never extreme. It is also home to the Great America theme park, wineries and the Children’s Discovery Museum, and offers a number of enjoyable diversions for all ages. Additionally, the easy-to-use public transit system and extensive bike trails mean you don’t need a car.

“The jobs in Santa Clara are high paying and they have a significant need for ICU, PACU, and CV-ICU nurses,” commented Cosgrove.

Oakland, California

Oakland, Calif.

Oakland is a multi-cultural metropolis. Sports fans can get tickets to cheer on the Athletics, the Raiders or the Warriors. Travelers can enjoy the Oakland Zoo, dining and shopping at the waterfront Jack London Square, or head 10 miles across the bay for more shopping and edible delights in San Francisco, which has the highest number of restaurants per capita of any major U.S. city. Oakland is public transport-friendly and connected to neighboring communities, including Berkeley, by the BART train.

Cosgrove notes that the jobs in Oakland are available in a variety of positions ranging from med-surg to ICU to nurse management. Local hospitals also provide a quick turnaround in their hiring processes.

Click here to apply for travel nursing assignments in these cities and other California locations with American Mobile.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

If you are looking for warmer destinations this winter, the Lone Star State has a lot to offer. Among all the U.S. states, it boasts the fourth warmest winter, and San Antonio is the most visited Texas town. San Antonio is home to the famed River Walk, the largest urban ecosystem with miles of walking paths and easy access to dining, historic districts and the Alamo. The city is also family-friendly, offering a Six Flags amusement park, a 65-acre water park, and Sea World.

In San Antonio’s hospitals, there are currently day and night shifts available in both pediatrics and adult care, and some assignments can be arranged for as long as 26 weeks, according to Cosgrove.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Dallas loves its glamour and excess, and has earned the reputation as a shopping mecca. Also a center for sports enthusiasts, fans can enjoy opportunities to cheer on the Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks and Rangers. Nearby Fort Worth is a capital of cowboy culture, replete with honkytonks and ten gallon hats. During the winter holiday season, The Galleria Dallas displays the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree.

In Dallas, American Mobile works with three major medical centers, all of which have a number of winter positions available.

“Some facilities are especially looking for nurses who are experienced and want to learn more about cutting-edge technology,” Cosgrove said. “Dallas is a fun city with a good night life and a lot of museums. My travelers love Dallas!”

Click here to apply for travel nursing assignments in these cities and other Texas locations with American Mobile.